$1.1B Rock Creek Entertainment District breaks ground in Norman

NORMAN — Rainier Development Company broke ground Monday on the Rock Creek Entertainment District, a $1.1 billion, 269-acre mixed-use development in Norman that will include an 8,000-seat arena, hotels, retail, dining, residential space and public gathering areas.

The University of Oklahoma Foundation named Rainier as master developer of the district in April. Monday’s ceremony drew approximately 250 guests and included remarks from University of Oklahoma President Joseph Harroz Jr., Cleveland County Commissioner Rod Cleveland, City of Norman Council Member Scott Dixon and Norman Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Scott Martin.

The centerpiece of the development is a state-of-the-art performance venue designed to host concerts, conventions and community events, as well as University of Oklahoma men’s and women’s basketball games and women’s gymnastics meets. The broader district is designed as a year-round destination and is projected to generate more than 3,000 construction and permanent jobs across hospitality, retail and operations over the life of the project.

“Today marks a defining moment years in the making for the University of Oklahoma, the future of Norman and the state of Oklahoma,” Harroz said in a news release. “The District is grounded in a proven formula that aligns the university’s continued growth and momentum with the kind of live, work and play development where people want to be and choose to stay.”

Rainier Chief Executive Officer Danny Lovell, who said he has been visiting Norman for more than 40 years, called the groundbreaking the moment the vision becomes reality.

“This development represents a generational opportunity to create a destination that brings people together while driving long-term economic vitality for the region,” Lovell said.

Further details on planning, timing and specific components will be shared at therockcreekdistrict.com.